1. The action of attacking someone with cruel or spiteful words, especially in their absence
The backbiting in the office made it a toxic workplace.
A maledicência no escritório tornou um ambiente de trabalho tóxico.
2. Spiteful or malicious talk about someone who is not present
I don't appreciate backbiting; let's address issues directly.
Não aprecio maledicência; vamos abordar os problemas diretamente.